A blast of winter weather is passing through central Alberta.
Freezing rain and snow began the evening of Nov. 1, and turned into several centimetres of snow by the morning of Nov. 2. Wind gusts are complicating things by causing drifting snow.
The Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit has also received several calls of collisions due to the wintry road conditions. They advise slowing down, paying attention to the conditions and consider other motorists.
Another area to consider is that bridge decks tend to freeze up faster than the roadway, states Alberta Sheriff Sgt. Nathan Kardish. He pointed out that because of the wintry weather, these bridges can be uneven and driving can be tricky in these conditions.
NB QEII at 50 Ave, in Leduc, is CLOSED due to jackknifed semi. Emergency crews on scene, local detour in place. Expect delays and consider alt. route. (11:24am) #ABRoads
— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) November 2, 2018
Emergency crews have dealt with several incidents including a collision in Red Deer and Leduc, plus multiple vehicles in the ditch on the Queen Elizabeth 2 Highway.
SB QEII at Twp Rd 412, N of Lacombe, MVC. Drive with caution. (12:13pm) #ABRoads
— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) November 2, 2018
On the 511 Alberta website it states that roads are snow covered for much of central Alberta.
Reports have come in of icy and snow covered conditions on Hwy. #13, Hwy. #2A and QE II.
Motorists are advised to drive carefully, and drive according to the road conditions.
